2009

Mike Hedden scored 58 seconds into overtime to lift the Texas Stars to a 3-2 comeback win over the Oklahoma City Barons Friday night in their pre-season opener in front of 2,730 fans at Cedar Park Center.

The Stars dominated in shots on goal early in the first period, at one point leading 10-3 in that category. It did not translate to goals, however, as Oklahoma City struck first on a Joel Broda goal at 5:38. The former Houston Aeros forward skated the puck from the right wall into the middle and beat Texas goaltender Jack Campbell to the glove side on a wrist shot that banked off the right post and in for a 1-0 Barons lead.

The Stars got on the board eight minutes into the second period when rookie Taylor Peters took a beautiful lead pass from Spencer Bennett in-stride and snapped the puck into the top left corner of the net, over the blocker of Oklahoma City goaltender Olivier Roy. Former Peoria Rivermen forward Anthony Nigro had the second assist on the game-tying goal at 8:25. Four and a half minutes later the Barons would regain the lead. With a delayed penalty coming to the Stars, Oklahoma City defenseman Martin Gernat’s slap shot from the blue line deflected off the leg of a Texas defender and into the net at 12:57.

The teams combined for a slew of penalties in the third period, but neither side could capitalize on their advantages. The Stars eventually tied the game at 2-2 just after a power play expired when Justin Dowling executed a scintillating backhand spin-around pass from the right circle to find an unmarked Taylor Vause at the far post for a back-door goal at 14:00. With just 36 seconds left in regulation C.J. Stretch picked up a tripping penalty in the Texas defensive zone, giving the Stars their ninth power play of the evening. The home side dominated in shots on goal in the third period, holding a 14-3 edge over the Barons.

Texas did not score again in regulation, but won the game just 58 seconds into overtime. Mike Hedden took a cross-check in the back as he slammed home his own rebound for a power play goal, assisted by Vause and Willliam Wrenn as the Stars poured off their bench to celebrate the game-winning goal.

Jack Campbell played the entire game for Texas and finished with 26 saves on 28 shots to earn the victory. Olivier Roy started the game for Oklahoma City and had a no-decision as he allowed one goal on 20 shots in the first 29:10 of action. Tyler Bunz came on in relief halfway through the second period and stopped 22-of-24 shots, while taking the loss for the Barons. The Stars out-shot Oklahoma City 44-28 in the game and went 1-for-9 on the power play. The Barons were 0-for-6 with the man-advantage.

The Stars will complete their pre-season schedule on Sunday, September 29th as they host the San Antonio Rampage for a 5:00 p.m. face off at Cedar Park Center. Texas will begin the 2013-14 season with Opening Night on Saturday, October 5th as they host the Chicago Wolves at 7:00 p.m. 2013-14 Texas Stars Season Tickets and Individual Game Tickets are currently on sale. To reserve the best available seats and receive all of the exclusive season ticket holder benefits for the 2013-14 season, purchase your season ticket package today. For more information on Texas Stars season tickets call (512) GO-STARS (467-8277) or visit www.TexasStarsHockey.com.